Volusia County Sheriff’s deputies were superheroes to three pups who were saved from an animal abuse incident May 6. The Sheriff’s Office responded to a wellness check request, and found multiple deceased animals and others in a “deplorable” state according to the charging affidavit.

According to the charging affidavit, deputies stated the home was covered in feces and urine and no food or water was found for any animals living inside. Animals inside the home included dogs, cats, various reptiles and birds.

The homeowner indicated her husband had been sick since last year and that she had lost the motivation to care for the animals, which belonged to him. The 37-year-old DeLand woman was taken into custody on 20 counts of animal cruelty and eight counts of animal confinement without food or water. The animals who survived in the home were taken by Volusia County Animal Services and cared for.

Once they’ve been rehabilitated, Sheriff’s Office employees volunteered to take these brave pups in and give them a second chance at life.

The Beacon spoke with Sheriff’s Deputy Juston Schramm, who adopted the puppy Ariel.

“Just seeing her happy and safe now brings me to tears,” Schramm said.